Low on confidence Novak Djokovic vows to ‘knuckle down’
Novak Djokovic admits “right now my confidence is not at the highest level”, but he is determined to come back stronger.
The 12-time Grand Slam winner missed the backend of the 2017 season as he recovered from an elbow injury and then made his comeback at the Australian Open, reaching the last 16.
He underwent a small medical procedure on the troublesome elbow after the Melbourne Grand Slam and then returned to action at the Indian Wells Masters, but his form has been poor since then as he has suffered a string of early exits.
The 30-year-old admits his confidence has taken a blow.
“I have always believed in myself and that’s why I was able to make all my childhood dreams come true, but right now my confidence is not at the highest level,” the Serb said.
“The recent results have not been what we are used to but coming back is a process and all I can do now is knuckle down to some hard work.
“I have had some similar situations in the past but not one quite as challenging as this, so I have to accept it as part of a learning process.”
Djokovic returned to action less than two months after undergoing surgery in January and he admits it was the wrong decision.
“That was my decision because I missed playing tennis so much but I was not ready and it backfired,” he said.
“After everything I have been through in the past year or so, I have had to lower my expectations but my motivation and my ambitions remain unchanged.
“After this year’s Australian Open I wasn’t sure whether I’d have elbow surgery or not. I was reluctant but then I realised it was the best long-term solution.”
On the back of his woes, Djokovic also opted to split from Andre Agassi and Radek Stepanek and he reunited with Marian Vajda, who will stay in his camp until the French Open.
“We have made plans until the end of the clay season – three more tournaments ending with Roland Garros,” he added.
“After that we will sit down again and make further plans.”
Latest
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian OpenFive of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.
-
WTA TourAshleigh Barty laments giving away control to Danielle Collins as she suffers defeat in Adelaide
Early exit for defending champion Ashleigh Barty.
-
Australian OpenToni Nadal believes the pressure got to Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final
Daniil Medvedev felt the heat.
-
Tennis NewsSerena Williams still believes she can win another Grand Slam and has no plans to retire just yet, says her coach
Serena Williams not ready to quit.
-
Tennis NewsNovak Djokovic’s father hits out at Western media over their negative portrayal of his son
Srdjan Djokovic slams Western media.
-
NewsAndy Murray’s Montpellier run shortlived as he suffers first-round exit
Andy Murray went down in straight sets.